Xian

Xian, also romanized as Xi’an and formerly known as Chang’an, is a prefecture-level city and the capital of Shaanxi Province in northwestern China. Located on the Guanzhong Plain along the Wei River, it is one of the oldest continually inhabited cities in the country and a major cultural, historical, and educational center. The city sits at the western end of the Silk Road and has long served as a political and logistical hub.

Historically, Xi’an was the capital of several dynasties, including Zhou, Qin, Han, Sui, and Tang. Known as Chang’an in ancient times, it was a cosmopolitan capital during the Tang era. The nearby mausoleum of the First Emperor of Qin preserves the famous Terracotta Army, unearthed in Lintong District. The city’s historical core is complemented by landmarks such as the Xi’an City Wall, Bell Tower, Drum Tower, and the Great Mosque in the Muslim Quarter. The Big and Small Wild Goose Pagodas reflect Buddhist influences of successive dynasties.

Today, Xi’an is a major economic center in western China, with industries in manufacturing, high tech, and aviation, supported by several universities and research institutes, including Xi’an Jiaotong University and Northwestern Polytechnical University. The city hosts the Xi’an National High-Tech Industrial Development Zone and a growing services sector.

Transportation links reinforce its role as a hub: Xi’an Xianyang International Airport serves international and domestic routes, and the city is a key stop on China’s high-speed rail network. The Xi’an Metro provides urban transit, linking districts and points of interest.